Generating a Three-Dimensional Model Using a Portable Electronic Device Recording

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for navigating a three-dimensional model using deterministic movement of an electronic device. An electronic device can load and provide an initial display of a three dimensional model (e.g., of an environment or of an object). As the user moves the electronic device, motion sensing components can detect the device movement and adjust the displayed portion of the three-dimensional model to reflect the movement of the device. By walking with the device in the user&#39;s real environment, a user can virtually navigate a representation of a three-dimensional environment. In some embodiments, a user can record an object or environment using an electronic device, and tag the recorded im and orientation of the programmable device relative to the three-dimensional object at the first time responsive to detection of movement ages or video with movement information describing the movement of the device during the recording. The recorded information can then be processed with the movement information to generate a three-dimensional model of the recorded environment or object.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/147,706,by Richard Tsai, Andrew Just, and Brandon Harris, entitled Generating AThree-Dimensional Model Using a Portable Electronic Device Recording,filed Jan. 6, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/621,740, by Richard Tsai, Andrew Just, and Brandon Harris,entitled Generating A Three-Dimensional Model Using a PortableElectronic Device Recording, filed Sep. 17, 2012, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/361,323, by RichardTsai, Andrew Just, and Brandon Harris, entitled Generating AThree-Dimensional Model Using a Portable Electronic Device Recording,filed Jan. 28, 2009, both of which are incorporated by reference hereinin their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This is directed to systems and methods for navigating a scene or aroundan object in three dimensions using deterministic movement of anelectronic device. This is also directed to systems and methods forgenerating a three-dimensional model of a scene or of an object forsubsequent three-dimensional navigation by recording the scene using anelectronic device.

Users of electronic devices can view various information displayed bythe devices. For example, a user can direct an electronic device todisplay a representation of a three-dimensional object (e.g., aphotograph), or allow a user to navigate a representation of a locationor of a virtual world (e.g., navigate through a series of imagesrepresenting a city, such as a series of images in a street view of amapping application). A user can direct the device to display suchinformation using any suitable approach, including for example byselecting the information from a locally stored or remotely accessedsource using an input mechanism. Once selected, the information can bedisplayed.

Because a planar electronic device display can inherently be only atwo-dimensional or planar display, the device can, at any given moment,provide only a partial representation of the displayed information. Forexample, when a three dimensional object is displayed, the electronicdevice can only display the object from a single perspective. To viewother perspectives, the user may be required to select a different imagerepresenting the same object, or provide an input (e.g., selecting abutton or dragging a mouse) to cause the object to rotate or spin,providing other perspectives for the object. Similarly, to navigate arepresentation of a three-dimensional environment, the electronic devicecan require the user to provide successive inputs using the inputmechanism to move through the environment and change the displayedimages to reflect the user's movement through the environment. In somecases, however, a user may not be able to provide an input to an inputmechanism (e.g., the user's hands are busy). Another mechanism may thenbe necessary to allow a user to view other portions of a displayedthree-dimensional object or three-dimensional environment.

In addition, users typically may not have an easy mechanism forgenerating three-dimensional representations of three-dimensionalobjects. Typically, such representations can require taking severalimages of an object from fixed and known positions and orientationsrelative the object, and subsequently processing the images to allowusers to navigate between images to view all perspectives of thethree-dimensional object or event. In particular, the user may berequired to provide information related to the relative position andorientation of the lens for each image to allow for subsequentnavigation of the images. This can be especially difficult withoutspecialized equipment and prevent most users from generatingthree-dimensional models of objects or environments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This is directed to systems and methods for navigating three-dimensionalenvironments and viewing three-dimensional objects on an electronicdevice display based on deterministic movement of the electronic device.This is also directed to systems and methods for recording a video of athree-dimensional environment or three-dimensional object, andprocessing the video to generate a three-dimensional model that can benavigated in an order other than that of the recording.

In some embodiments, a user can direct an electronic device to displayinformation that can be associated with three-dimensional navigationsuch as, for example, three-dimensional models of environments orobjects. For example, a user can direct an electronic device to access amapping application that provides images of what can be seen in some orany direction from a particular location. As another example, a user candirect an electronic device to display a video game in which a user maynavigate a virtual world and see, in any direction, what the virtualworld resembles (e.g., rendered images of the virtual world's appearancefrom any location in the virtual world). As still another example, auser can direct the electronic device to display a three-dimensionalobject (e.g., an object for sale) that the user can manipulate or viewfrom different angles

To change the particular display of the environment or object withoutrequiring an input from a dedicated input mechanism, the electronicdevice can include a motion sensing component (e.g., an accelerometer)operative to detect movements of the electronic device. When the devicedisplays information associated with three-dimensional navigation, theelectronic device can monitor the motion-sensing component for devicemovement and change the displayed information to reflect the output ofthe motion sensing component. The change in appearance of thethree-dimensional environment or object displayed by the device can becorrelated to the device movement using any suitable approach, includingfor example using a linear approximation (e.g., as the user tilts thedevice, the electronic device displays the environment or object as ifthe user's perspective of the object was tilted in the same manner asthe device). In effect, the electronic device display can provide awindow, movable in three dimensions, into the three-dimensionalenvironment, or for viewing the three-dimensional object.

In some embodiments, the user can direct the electronic device to recorda three-dimensional environment or object to generate an interactivethree-dimensional model. Using a lens of the electronic device, theelectronic device can record an environment or object as a user movesthe device. The recording can be simultaneously tagged with the outputof the motion-sensing component, positioning information, or both todefine the spatial relationship between video frames of the recording.The video can then be processed (e.g., on a host device) to generate athree-dimensional model using the images and spatial relationships. Anyother electronic device can then load the generated model and allow theuser of the other electronic device to navigate the three-dimensionalmodel (e.g., using deterministic movements)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the present invention, its nature andvarious advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device forchanging the display of information based on device movement inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A-2E are schematic views of a display of a three-dimensionalenvironment as a user moves an electronic device while staying in placein accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3A-3D are schematic views of a three-dimensional environment asthe user moves through the environment in accordance with one embodimentof the invention;

FIGS. 4A-4E are a series of schematic views of a three-dimensionalobject seen from different perspectives as the user moves the device inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an illustrative three-dimensional objectplaced in the center of a virtual sphere in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 6A-6H are schematic views of an illustrative three-dimensionalmodel in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an illustrative display screen for settingmovement correlation parameters in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an illustrative process for changing thedisplay of a three-dimensional model based on device movement inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an illustrative process for processingmotion-sensing component outputs in accordance with one embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an electronic device moved around anobject to generate information for a three-dimensional model inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an illustrative process for generating athree-dimensional model from a recording in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This is directed to systems and methods for navigating three-dimensionalinformation displayed on an electronic device display based on detectedmovements of the electronic device.

An electronic device can be operative to display different types ofinformation to a user including three-dimensional information, forexample in the form of three-dimensional models. For example, anelectronic device can display a three-dimensional environment or virtualworld that a user can navigate by providing appropriate instructionsusing an input mechanism (e.g., selecting arrow keys from a keyboard, orselectable directional options displayed on-screen). As another example,an electronic device can display a three-dimensional object that a usercan view from multiple or all perspectives (e.g., by changing the user'sviewpoint of the three-dimensional object). The user can change thedisplayed perspective by providing appropriate instructions using aninput mechanism.

Requiring a user to provide particular inputs using an input mechanism,however, may not be particularly intuitive and may be burdensome for theuser. As an alternative, or in addition to changing the display ofthree-dimensional information in response to input mechanism inputs, auser can direct an electronic device to change the display of theinformation using deterministic movements of the device. To detect thedevice movement, the electronic device can include a motion-sensingcomponent or other suitable movement detection component operative tomonitor and quantify movements of the device. For example, theelectronic device can include one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, orany other component operative to detect motion. Based on themotion-sensing component output, the electronic device can determine theamount and direction by which to change the display of thethree-dimensional information. The electronic device can use some or allof the motion-sensing component output in determining how to change thedisplayed information, including for example using motion informationperpendicular to the plane of the display to walk or move through athree-dimensional environment. In some embodiments, the electronicdevice can instead or in addition use positioning circuitry operative toidentify the current location of the electronic device to change thedisplayed three-dimensional information (e.g., walk through a virtualthree-dimensional world as the user walks with the device in the realworld).

The manner in which the displayed information changes in response to anelectronic device movement can be defined using any suitable approach.In some embodiments, the electronic device can define vectors describingthe device movement, and change the displayed information in a mannerrelated to the defined vector. In effect, the information displayed bythe device can change in a manner to emulate a movable window showingportions of the three-dimensional information as it is moved around theinformation (e.g., a movable window in a three-dimensional environment).The amount by which information changes can be related to dimensionsassociated with the three-dimensional information, fixed distances onthe electronic device display, or any other suitable relation. In someembodiments, the amount can change for different dimensions (e.g., asmaller movement corresponds to a larger change in the image in thedirection perpendicular to the plane of the display) To ease the burdenof following the changing display, the electronic device can apply ahysteresis to the display transition.

In some embodiments, the electronic device can combine input mechanisminputs with electronic device movement to navigate displayedthree-dimensional models. For example, the electronic device can enablea zoom instruction in addition to deterministic movement instructions.In some embodiments, the electronic device can enable a combination ofinput mechanism inputs and device movements to perform non-navigation(e.g., zoom) or enhanced navigation (e.g., jumping to alternate viewingpoints) operations. For example, the electronic device can enable devicemovements combined with specific inputs (e.g., moving the device whiletouching a touch screen)

In some embodiments, the electronic device can be used to generatethree-dimensional models of objects or environments. Using a lens orcamera, the electronic device can record a video of an object or anenvironment. Using the motion-sensing component, the electronic devicecan determine the path or movement of the electronic device as itrecords the video, and associate movement information with the videoframes of the recording. Using the movement information, the electronicdevice (or a host device to which the electronic device is coupled) cangenerate a three-dimensional model of the recorded environment or objectin which the individual video frames are associated with absolutelocation coordinates or information in the model (i.e., instead ofcoordinate information derived from the path of the device starting atan undetermined initial location). Using the model, a user can thennavigate a three-dimensional representation of the recorded environmentor object without being required to view the environment or object inthe order of the recording.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device forchanging the display of information based on device movements inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. Electronic device 100can include any suitable type of electronic device operative to displayinformation to a user while detecting movement of the device. Forexample, electronic device 100 can include a media player such as aniPod® available by Apple Inc., of Cupertino, Calif., a cellulartelephone, a personal e-mail or messaging device (e.g., a Blackberry® ora Sidekick®), an iPhone® available from Apple Inc., pocket-sizedpersonal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), a laptopcomputer, a music recorder, a video recorder, a gaming device, a camera,radios, medical equipment, and any other portable electronic devicecapable of being moved by the user.

Electronic device 100 can include a processor or control circuitry 102,storage 104, memory 106 input/output circuitry 108, and communicationscircuitry 112, as typically found in an electronic device of the type ofelectronic device 100, and operative to enable any of the uses expectedfrom an electronic device of the type of electronic device 100 (e.g.,connect to a host device for power or data transfers). In someembodiments, one or more of electronic device components 100 can becombined or omitted (e.g., combine storage 104 and memory 106),electronic device 100 can include other components not combined orincluded in those shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., positioning circuitry), orelectronic device 100 can include several instances of the componentsshown in FIG. 1. For the sake of simplicity, only one of each of thecomponents is shown in FIG. 1.

Motion-sensing component 110 can be operative to detect movements ofelectronic device 100. In some embodiments, a motion-sensing componentcan include one or more three-axes acceleration motion-sensingcomponents (e.g., an accelerometer) operative to detect linearacceleration in three directions (i.e., the x or left/right direction,the y or up/down direction, and the z or out of the plane of theelectronic device display) As another example, a motion-sensingcomponent can include one or more two-axis acceleration motion-sensingcomponents which can be operative to detect linear acceleration onlyalong each of x or left/right and y or up/down directions (or any otherpair of directions). In some embodiments, a motion-sensing component caninclude an electrostatic capacitance (capacitance-coupling)accelerometer that is based on silicon micro-machined MEMS (MicroElectro Mechanical Systems) technology, a piezoelectric typeaccelerometer, a piezoresistance type accelerometer, or any othersuitable accelerometer.

In some embodiments, the motion-sensing component can indirectly detectrotation, rotational movement, angular displacement, tilt, position,orientation, motion along a non-linear (e.g., arcuate) path, or anyother non-linear motions. For example, if the motion-sensing componentis a linear motion-sensing component, additional processing can be usedto indirectly detect some or all of the non-linear motions. For example,by comparing the linear output of the motion-sensing component with agravity vector (i.e., a static acceleration), the motion-sensingcomponent can calculate the tilt of electronic device 100 with respectto the y-axis. In some embodiments, the motion-sensing component caninstead or in addition include one or more gyro-motion-sensingcomponents or gyroscopes for directly detecting rotational movement. Forexample, motion-sensing component 110 can include a rotating orvibrating element. As another example, motion-sensing component 110 caninclude a magnetometer operative to detect the orientation of the devicerelative a magnetic north pole. The electronic device can monitorchanges in the output of the magnetometer to detect rotations of thedevice.

In some embodiments, electronic device 100 can include positioningcircuitry for determining the current position of electronic device 100,and can be operative to update the current position at any suitablerate, including at relatively high rates to provide an estimation ofspeed and distance traveled. In some embodiments, the positioningcircuitry can include a global positioning system (“GPS”) receiver foraccessing a GPS application function call that returns the geographiccoordinates (i.e., the geographic location) of the device. Thegeographic coordinates can be fundamentally, alternatively, oradditionally derived from any suitable trilateration or triangulationtechnique. For example, the device can determine its location usingvarious measurements (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio (“SNR”) or signalstrength) of a network signal (e.g., a cellular telephone networksignal) associated with the device. For example, a radio frequency(“RF”) triangulation detector or sensor integrated with or connected tothe electronic device can determine the approximate location of thedevice. The device's approximate location can be determined based onvarious measurements of the device's own network signal, such as: (1)the angle of the signal's approach to or from one or more cellulartowers, (2) the amount of time for the signal to reach one or morecellular towers or the user's device, (3) the strength of the signalwhen it reaches one or more towers or the user's device, or anycombination of the aforementioned measurements, for example. Other formsof wireless-assisted GPS (sometimes referred to herein as enhanced GPSor A-GPS) can also be used to determine the current position ofelectronic device 100. Instead or in addition, the positioning circuitryof the device can the location of the device based on a wireless networkor access point that is in range or a wireless network or access pointto which the device is currently connected. For example, becausewireless networks have a finite range, a network that is in range of thedevice can indicate that the device is located in the approximategeographic location of the wireless network. In some embodiments, thedevice can automatically connect to a wireless network that is in rangein order to receive the valid modes of operation for that location.

In some embodiments, electronic device 100 can instead or in additioninclude a camera or lens operative to record images or video of thedevice environment. For example, the electronic device can include anoptical or digital lens for capturing light reflected from the user'senvironment. The captured light can be recorded as individual distinctimages, or as consecutive video frames of a recording (e.g., severalvideo frames constituting a primary frame and subsequent framesindicating the difference between the primary frame and the subsequentframes). The control circuitry may associate different metadata with therecorded images, including for example positioning information, devicemovement information, a time code, a device identifier, or any othersuitable metadata.

Using the electronic device, a user can view three-dimensionalrepresentations of environments or objects. The three-dimensionalrepresentations can be provided to the device as models with surfaces torender and display based on the user's position and orientation aroundor within the model. When the electronic device loads athree-dimensional model, the electronic device can enable athree-dimensional navigation mode (e.g., automatically or in response toa specific input using the input mechanism or detected by themotion-sensing component). The electronic device can indicate to a userthat the movement based navigation mode has been enabled using anysuitable approach, including for example using one or more of an audioindication and a visual indication. FIGS. 2A-2E are schematic views of adisplay of a three-dimensional environment as a user moves or tilts anelectronic device while staying in place in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, display 200 caninclude representation 202 of a three-dimensional environment and mapoverlay 204 providing context for the displayed representation. Mapoverlay 204 can be displayed using any suitable approach, including forexample as an overlay, in a distinct section of the display (e.g., apicture-in-picture window), or in a separate window (e.g., in responseto a user instruction to view the map). Map overlay 204 can be displayedat any suitable time, including automatically in response to displayingrepresentation 202, in response to a user instruction (e.g., a usertoggling a setting), for a predetermined delay, when representation 202changes by a particular amount (e.g., the user's orientation changes bymore than 30 degrees within a 2 second period), or any other suitabletime.

To assist a user in orienting himself in the three-dimensionalenvironment, map overlay 204 can include depiction 205 of an individualoriented to view representation 202. Depiction 205 can include anysuitable representation operative to provide orientation context, suchas a representation of a human body combined with an arrow. In theexample of FIGS. 2A-2E, depiction 205 provides an indication in theplane of the environment terrain (e.g., in the plane of the street) ofthe user's orientation (but no indication as to the tilt of the userrelative to the plane). In some embodiments, representation 202 caninstead or in addition include compass 203 or another orientationmechanism for providing an indication of orientation to the user.Compass 203 can be displayed in any suitable manner and at any suitabletime, including for example any of the manners or times described inconnection with map overlay 204. In some embodiments, compass 203 canprovide an indication of tilt.

Device 210 and coordinate system 212 can represent the orientation ofdisplay 210 relative fixed coordinate system 212 (e.g., in the user'sreal environment) when the electronic device displays representation202. In some embodiments, coordinate system 212 can be displayed insteadof or in addition to map overlay 204 (e.g., to provide athree-dimensional frame of reference for the user). As shown in FIG. 2A,display 210 is perpendicular to the plane of the street (e.g., e.g., anx-y plane) and aligned with a particular coordinate axis (e.g., a z-axisextending from the surface of the display). To view other portions ofthe three-dimensional environment (e.g., when a three-dimensional modelhas been loaded, or when three-dimensional movement-based navigation hasbeen enabled), the user can move the device display. FIG. 2B is aschematic view of the three-dimensional environment of FIG. 2A when theuser rotates the device (e.g., to the right). Display 220 can includerepresentation 222 with map overlay 224, which can include some or allof the features of representation 202 and overlay 204. As shown bycomparing the relative orientations of depiction 225 and depiction 205,the user in display 220 has turned to the right. The correspondingportion of the three-dimensional environment displayed in representation222 therefore can change to reflect the new orientation. In addition,the representation of device 230 can be stretched to indicate therotation relative initial device 210 (also shown in the change theorientation of coordinates 232)

In some embodiments, the user can instead tilt the electronic devicedisplay relative to the plane of the user's environment (e.g., the x-yplane). FIG. 2C is a schematic view of the three-dimensional environmentof FIG. 2B when the user tilts the device (e.g., tilts the device up).Display 240 can include representation 242 with map overlay 244, whichcan include some or all of the features of representation 202 andoverlay 204. Because the user may have tilted the display, therepresentation of device 250 can be rotated in addition to stretched toindicate the tilt relative device 230 (also shown in the change in theorientation of coordinates 252 relative to the orientation ofcoordinates 232). The change in tilt, however, may not be detectable bycomparing the relative orientations of depiction 225 and depiction 245within the respective map overlays, as the user's orientation in theplane of the user's environment (e.g., and on the map) may not havechanged.

The user can turn with a tilted display to view different portions ofthe environment from the same angle. FIG. 2D is a schematic view of thethree-dimensional environment of FIG. 2C when the user rotates thedevice further. Display 260 can include representation 262 with mapoverlay 264, which can include some or all of the features ofrepresentation 202 and overlay 204. The angle of the display relativethe plane of the environment (e.g., the x-y plane) can remain the same,as shown by the change in the orientation of coordinates 272 relative tothe orientation of coordinates 252. The orientation of depiction 265,however, can change relative to depiction 245 to indicate the neworientation along the x-y plane of the user. In addition, therepresentation of device 270 can be tilted by the same angle as therepresentation of device 250, but stretched in a different manner toindicate the rotation without any change in tilt.

The user can tilt or rotate the electronic device by any suitableamount. In some embodiments, the amount by which the device can betilted or rotated can be limited or constrained by the three-dimensionalmodel that is navigated. For example, the model may include one or bothof upper and lower tilt limits. When the user tilts a device past a tiltlimit, the electronic device can ignore subsequent tilting and continueto display the representation associated with the tilt limit. In someembodiments, the electronic device can provide an indication (e.g.,audio or visual) that a tilt limit has been reached. Alternatively, theuser can tilt the device by any amount. FIG. 2E is a schematic view ofthe three-dimensional model of FIG. 2A when the user tilts and rotatesthe device simultaneously. In the example of FIG. 2E, the user can tiltthe device down and rotate the device to the left. Display 280 caninclude representation 282 with map overlay 284, which can include someor all of the features of representation 202 and overlay 204. Therepresentation of device 290 can be both rotated and stretched relativeto the representation of device 210 to indicate that the device has beentilted and rotated simultaneously. In addition, the tilt and rotation ofthe device can be detected by the respective orientations of depiction285 in map overlay 284 and coordinates 292.

In addition to viewing different portions of a three-dimensional modelfrom a fixed position by changing the orientation of the electronicdevice display within the user's real environment (e.g., relative to afixed real environment coordinate system), the electronic device can inaddition allow a user to navigate within the model using deterministicmovement. In particular, the motion-sensing component, positioningcircuitry, or both can be used to detect the position of the device asthe user moves within the user's environment. For example, theelectronic device can detect that a user is walking in a particulardirection and at a particular pace in the user's real environment, andchange the portions of the three-dimensional model that are displayed toemulate virtually walking through the model in a direction and at a pacerelated to the user's direction and pace in the user's real environment.FIGS. 3A-3D are schematic views of a three-dimensional environment asthe user moves through the environment in accordance with one embodimentof the invention. FIG. 3A is a schematic view of a three-dimensionalrepresentation of an environment in accordance with one embodiment ofthe invention. Display 300 can include representation 302 of theenvironment, which can be rendered to represent the user's perspectiveof the environment from a predetermined location. Map overlay 304 canprovide an indication of the user's position or location in the virtualthree-dimensional environment, and representation 305 within map overlay304 can indicate the user's exact position and orientation on mapoverlay 304. Map overlay 304 can instead or in addition include some orall of the features of map overlay 204 (FIG. 2A).

In some embodiments, representation 302 can include an indication ofavailable paths that a user can follow within the three-dimensionalenvironment to navigate the model. For example, representation 302 caninclude path 310 overlaid on a portion of the model image. Path 310 canfollow existing paths within the environment (e.g., roads), arbitrarycourses within the environment (e.g., through a field or within abuilding), or both. Several paths 310 can intersect to identifyalternative routes that a user can follow (e.g., a path into a house orbuilding for which a three-dimensional model is available). If a usercan navigate within the entirety of displayed representation 302,representation 302 can include path 310 overlaid over the entirety ofthe display, or instead cannot overlay path 310.

Path 310 can include directional icons 312 indicating availabledirections at which a user can travel along the path. For example, icons312 can be displayed to identify areas off of path 310 for which thethree-dimensional representations are available (e.g., buildings intowhich a user can enter). As another example, icons 312 can identifyalternate paths that a user may follow (e.g., paths at an intersection,or a path going up stairs or into an elevator in a building) To movealong path 310, or alternatively navigate within the displayedenvironment, a user can select directional icons 312 using an inputmechanism. Alternatively, the user can move the electronic device in thedirection of an icon 312 on path 310 (e.g., move the device within theplane of the user's real environment, or move the device to the bottomof stairs and tilt up to select a path up stairs). For example, a usercan walk, while holding the electronic device, in the direction of path310. If the user provides an indication to follow a path on a differentlevel (e.g., up stairs), the electronic device may allow the user toaccess the different level while remaining, in the real environment, ona single level (e.g., virtually visit a multi-story house whileremaining on a single floor in the real environment)

As the motion-sensing component, positioning circuitry, or otherelectronic device component detects that the user is moving along path310, the electronic device can change representation 302 to reflect theuser's new position within the three-dimensional model. FIG. 3B is aschematic view of the three-dimensional environment of FIG. 3A as theuser moves the electronic device in accordance with one embodiment ofthe environment. Display 320 can include representation 322 and mapoverlay 324, which can include some or all of the features ofrepresentation 302 and map overlay 304. To indicate to the user that thedisplayed perspective has changed, depiction 325 can be at a differentlocation on map overlay 324 than depiction 305 on map overlay 304. Inparticular, the relative positions of depictions 305 and 325 can reflectthe user's movement along path 310 in the virtual environment and thedevice movement in the plane of the environment (e.g., as the userwalked) in the real environment.

Representation 322 can include path 330, which can include some or allof the features of path 310. Path 330 can include bend 334, which canrequire a user to change the direction in which to move the device tocontinue to navigate the virtual environment. In particular, as a userreaches bend 334, the electronic device can ignore further movement inthe initial direction of path 330, and instead require the user, in thereal environment, to turn and move the electronic device in thesubsequent direction of path 330 (e.g., turn and walk to the right) tocontinue to navigate the virtual environment. If a user, in the realenvironment, cannot turn in the direction required by path 330 (e.g.,the user is against a wall on the right), the user can temporarilydisengage the deterministic movement navigation mode to re-orient thedevice in a manner that allows the user to follow path 330 in thevirtual environment. For example, a user reaching bend 334 cantemporarily suspend the deterministic movement navigation mode and turnaway from the wall (e.g., to the left), then re-engage the deterministicmovement navigation mode and turn to the right (e.g., again parallel tothe wall) to continue to follow path 330. Alternatively, the user canprovide an input using an input mechanism to pass bend 334 and continue,in the initial direction in the real environment, along the subsequentsection of path 330.

FIG. 3C is a schematic view of the three-dimensional environment of FIG.3B after the user has passed the bend in the path in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. Display 340 can include representation 342and map overlay 344, which can include some or all of the features ofrepresentation 302 and map overlay 304. The orientation and position ofdepiction 345, placed on map overlay 344, can identify the user'sposition and orientation in the virtual environment, and indicate theuser's progress along the path relative to depictions 305 and 325).

In addition to navigating the three-dimensional model, the user canchange the orientation of the electronic device to view differentperspectives from a same location, or as a user navigates within themodel. FIG. 3D is a schematic view of the three-dimensional environmentof FIG. 3C when the user rotates and tilts the electronic device inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. Display 360 can includerepresentation 362 and overlay 364, which can include some or all of thefeatures of representation 302 and map overlay 304. The orientation ofdepiction 365 on map overlay 364 can indicate the manner in which a userhas rotated the electronic device relative the path followed by theuser. The tilt of the device relative to the plane of the environment(e.g., representation 362 represents a device that has been tilted up)can be indicated using any suitable overlay or information displayed bythe device, or alternatively can be deduced from the representation(e.g., the angle of buildings displayed on the device)

In some embodiments, a user can instead or in addition navigate athree-dimensional model of an object. FIGS. 4A-4E are a series ofschematic views of a three-dimensional object seen from differentperspectives as the user moves the device in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. Displays 400, 410, 420, 430, and 440 caneach include representations 402, 412, 422, 432 and 442, respectively,showing different perspectives of a three-dimensional model. Theparticular orientation at which the electronic device is held can beindicated by the perspective view of devices 404, 414, 424, 434 and 444,respectively. As the user moves the electronic device, the perspectiveof the three-dimensional model shown can change to reflect theorientation of the device relative to the model.

The electronic device can correlate electronic device movements with thethree-dimensional model display using any suitable approach. In someembodiments, the electronic device can associate the model with a fixedposition in the user's real environment. As the user moves the devicearound the fixed position, the portion of the three-dimensional modeldisplayed by the device can change to reflect the perspective of thedevice relative to the fixed position. For example, a three-dimensionalmodel can be associated with the center of a virtual sphere in theuser's real environment, such that the displayed perspective of themodel reflects the perspective of the device from its position on thesurface of the sphere. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an illustrativethree-dimensional object placed in the center of a virtual sphere inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. Representation 500 caninclude model 502 placed at the center of virtual sphere 504. As theuser moves the electronic device around the surface of sphere 504, thedisplayed perspective of model 502 can reflect the current position ofthe device on the surface of sphere 504. In some embodiments, each modelcan be associated with several concentric spheres, each having differentdiameters. As the user moves the device relative to the center of thespheres, the device can detect that the user has changed spheres (e.g.,the distance between the center of the sphere and the device can changeas the user moves the device) and display the model with different zooms(e.g., zoom in as the device moves closer to the center of the spheres)

In some embodiments, the electronic device can display athree-dimensional model that includes both an environment to navigateand objects around which a user can move to see different perspectivesof the object. FIGS. 6A-6H are schematic views of an illustrativethree-dimensional model in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. Displays 600, 610, and 620 show perspective views of a modelas a user changes perspectives around the model. Displays 630, 640, 650and 660 show perspective views as the user moves the electronic devicewithin the model (e.g., to see underneath the arches of the BrooklynBridge). The user can navigate the three-dimensional model by moving theelectronic device in the portions of the user's real environment thatare associated with the model. The electronic device can provide anysuitable mechanism for efficiently changing the user's perspective froma global view of the entire model (e.g., FIGS. 6A-6C) to a more detailedview of a portion of the model (FIGS. 6D-6H)

In some embodiments, the three-dimensional model can include specificinitial locations or bookmarked locations from which the user can viewthe model with a pre-determined zoom level. For example, the model caninclude an initial location providing a perspective view of the entiremodel (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C). As another example, the model caninclude an initial location on a surface of the model (e.g., on thepedestrian walkway of the bridge) from which a user can navigate withinthe model (e.g., walk through the model and tilt or rotate the device toview different portions of the model). Each of the initial locations canbe associated with a predetermined zoom level appropriate for theinitial location (e.g., low zoom for the perspective view, larger zoomfor the view within the model). The electronic device can indicate theinitial locations to the user using any suitable approach. For example,each location can be identified using a selectable icon displayed on themodel (e.g., icon 626, selectable by touch in a touch-screenembodiment). As another example, the electronic device can display alisting of available locations from which the user can select (e.g., apop-up window with listings displayed in response to a user request).Using the bookmarked locations, a user can quickly and efficientlynavigate through a large three-dimensional model without requiring theuser to physically walk through the real environment equivalent of themodel (e.g., virtually walk 1825 m across the Brooklyn Bridge).

In some embodiments, the electronic device can instead or in additionprovide an input mechanism for providing zoom instructions. For example,the electronic device can display a bar with a zoom slider for quicklychanging the zoom of the display (e.g., zoom slider 636) As anotherexample, the electronic device can associate particular movements of thedevice with zoom instructions (e.g., shake left and right to zoom up anddown). In response to receiving a request to change the zoom, theelectronic device can adjust the manner in which device movements arecorrelated with changing the three-dimensional model display (e.g.,changing a correlation multiple, described in more detail below).

The electronic device can associate device movements with changes in thedisplayed perspective of an electronic device using any suitableapproach. In particular, the electronic device can process motion andpositioning information detected by the various device components (e.g.,movement detection components such as a motion-sensing component,positioning circuitry, or a magnetometer) using any suitable process. Insome embodiments, the electronic device can define, at any suitableinterval or rate, a position and orientation of the user within oraround a three-dimensional model from the motion-sensing and positioninginformation. For example, the electronic device can define an initialposition and orientation (e.g., when the user initially enables, orre-enables the deterministic motion based navigation mode) within oraround the model (e.g., an initial bookmarked location and orientation)Using the motion-sensing component output, the electronic device candetermine the change in position and orientation of the electronicdevice relative to the initial position and orientation (e.g., when themode was first enabled, or when the display was last refreshed). Forexample, the electronic device can integrate acceleration data over timeto determine the present velocity and position of the device. As anotherexample, the electronic device can use the data provided by positioningcircuitry to determine the user's current position. The electronicdevice can then apply the change in position and orientation to themodel to determine a new current perspective of the model and display arendering of the model reflecting the new current perspective. Forexample, the electronic device can add a position vector to the initialposition in the model to change the user's location within the model,and an orientation vector to the initial orientation of the user withinthe model to change the user's orientation or perspective of the modelfrom the new position. In some embodiments, the electronic device canuse some or all of the output of a motion-sensing component (e.g.,ignore motion along particular axes, ignore motion that is below athreshold, or use the output of only specific components).

The electronic device can correlate the processed movement informationwith changes in perspective in the three-dimensional model using anysuitable approach. In some embodiments, the correlation can be relatedto the size of the electronic device display. For example, a movement ofa particular amount (e.g., walking 1 m in a given direction) can beassociated with displacing the model by a particular number of pixels,for example defined as a multiple of the movement amount (e.g., 100pixels in the given direction). The correlation then may be independentof both the amount by which the model is zoomed, and specific dimensionsassociated with the model. In some embodiments, the correlation caninstead be related to dimensions associated with the model. For examplea movement in a particular direction (e.g., walking 1 m in a givendirection) can be associated with moving by a multiple of the movementin the given direction (e.g., displacing the model by m times 1 m in thegiven direction, where the correlation multiple m is any real number).The multiple can be selected using any suitable approach, including forexample a variable number changing with the zoom, based on a location orposition within the model or using any other suitable approach.

To assist the user in navigating the displayed information, thecorrelation can be defined such that when the user returns theelectronic device to a particular spatial position relative to an origin(e.g., relative to the position of the device when the movement basednavigation mode is enabled), the same information is always displayed.In some embodiments, the electronic device can therefore ignoremovements of the device once the device reaches an edge or limit of thethree-dimensional model, but resume changing the displayed informationonly once the device returns to a position relative the origin thatreflects the model limit. Such an approach can enhance the user'sability to use movement based navigation by providing a known physicalcorrelation to the user's movement. Alternatively, the device can resumechanging the display of information as soon as movement away from thedetected limit is identified.

The particular correlation used can be set by the user, or determinedfrom the model. In some embodiments, the electronic device can providean interface for defining the correlations between the detected devicemovements and the navigation of the three-dimensional model. FIG. 7 is aschematic view of an illustrative display screen for setting movementcorrelation parameters in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. Display 700 can include several options for defining themovement correlation settings of the device. For example, display 700can include correlation option 702 for changing the representation of athree-dimensional model in the manner defined by the model. As anotherexample, display 700 can include correlation option 704 for defining aglobal correlation setting. For example, the user can define acorrelation multiple defining how much the representation of a modelwill change in response to a given device movement. In addition to thecorrelation multiple, the user can enable or disable a hysteresis orother non-linear correlation for the movement using hysteresis option706. For example, the initial change in the model as the device firststarts to move can be small and ramp up, and the amount of displacementas the device stops moving can decrease rapidly before slowing down. Thenon-linear displacement at one or both of the beginning and end of thedevice displacement can allow the user's eyes to anticipate and betterfollow the displacement of the information as it occurs.

The user can define the manner in which the provided correlationmultiple is used by selecting a reference dimension. For example, theuser can select model dimensions option 708, for which the devicemovement is correlated with a corresponding distance within the model,or screen dimensions option 709, for which the device movement iscorrelated with a particular distance or number of pixels within thedevice display. In some embodiments, display 700 can include furtheroptions for associating correlation multiples with specific zoom levels.

In some embodiments, the user can instead or in addition define thecorrelation between different components of the device movement and thechange in model representation. For example, in response to receiving auser selection of advanced option 710, display 700 can providecorrelation options for linear axes 711 and rotational axes 715. Theuser can then define a correlation multiple or ratio of device movementto change in model perspective for x-axis option 712, y-axis option 713,z-axis option 714, and x-y angle option 716, y-z angle option 717, andz-x angle option 718. Once the user has selected the appropriatecorrelation mechanism, the user may select done option 720, or cancel aselection using cancel option 722.

The following flow charts describe illustrative processes used tonavigate a three-dimensional model using deterministic movement inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 is a flow chartof an illustrative process for changing the display of athree-dimensional model based on device movement in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. Process 800 can begin at step 802. At step804, the electronic device can receive a three-dimensional model. Forexample, a user can load a three-dimensional model. As another example,a user can receive a three-dimensional model from another device (e.g.,receive a model by-mail). At step 806, the electronic device candetermine the user's initial position within the model. For example, theelectronic device can identify an initial location and orientationbookmarked for the model. As another example, the electronic device canidentify a default position and orientation (e.g., at the center of thecoordinate system, aligned with the x-axis). At step 808, the electronicdevice can determine the manner in which electronic device movements arecorrelated with changes in the display of the three-dimensional model.For example, the electronic device can identify a correlation multiplefor the model, and the dimensions from which the correlation is made(e.g., screen dimensions or model dimensions).

At step 810, the electronic device can determine whether movement of thedevice was detected. For example, the electronic device can determinewhether the output of a motion-sensing component exceeds a floor. Asanother example, the electronic device can determine whether the outputof positioning circuitry indicates a change in position. If theelectronic device does not detect sufficient movement, the electronicdevice can return to step 810 and continue to monitor for devicemovement. If, at step 810, the electronic device instead determines thatmovement was detected, process 800 can move to step 812. At step 812,the electronic device can determine the manner in which to change thedisplayed model. For example, the electronic device can process themotion-sensing component output to define one or more vectors indicatingchanges in position and in orientation of the user within or around themodel. The electronic device can then apply the vectors to the user'sinitial position and orientation to determine the user's final positionand orientation. At step 814, the electronic device can redraw thedisplayed model to reflect the changed position and orientation of theelectronic device. Process 800 can then end at step 816.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an illustrative process for processingmotion-sensing component outputs in accordance with one embodiment ofthe invention. Process 900 can be performed as part of process 800, forexample during step 814 (FIG. 8). Process 900 can begin at step 902. Atstep 904, the electronic device can determine whether the output of themotion-sensing component includes rotational components of movement. Forexample, the electronic device can determine whether the motion-sensingcomponent output includes an output associated with a gyroscope or otherrotational sensor. If the electronic device determines that norotational components were included in the motion-sensing componentoutput, process 900 can move to step 908.

If, at step 904, the electronic device instead determines that themotion-sensing component output includes rotational components, process900 can move to step 906. At step 906, the electronic device can changethe displayed three-dimensional model to reflect a new orientation ofthe device. For example, the electronic device can define a vectorassociated with the rotational components of the motion-sensingcomponent output, and apply the vector to the initially displayedperspective of the model to determine a new perspective associated withthe moved device. At step 908, the electronic device can determinewhether the output of the motion-sensing component includes linearcomponents of movement. For example, the electronic device can determinewhether the motion-sensing component output included an outputassociated with an accelerometer or other linear sensor. If theelectronic device determines that no linear components were included inthe motion-sensing component output, process 900 can move to step 912and end.

If, at step 908, the electronic device instead determines that linearcomponents were included in the motion-sensing component output, process900 can move to step 910. At step 910, the electronic device cannavigate the user's position within or around the displayedthree-dimensional model. For example, the electronic device can define avector associated with the linear output of the motion-sensing componentand change the user's position in or around the model based on thevector. In some embodiments, the changed position can be within theplane of the environment (e.g., the user is walking on the ground levelof the model), or can include components out of the plane of theenvironment (e.g., the user's perspective moves above the ground,overlooking the environment from the sky). Process 900 can then end atstep 912. Alternatively, process 900 can include a step changing thedisplay provided to the user. It will also be understood that thedistinction between rotation and linear motion-sensing component outputsis merely for illustration, and that combinations of both types ofoutput can be associated with both changing the orientation and positionof the user within or around a three-dimensional model. In addition, itwill be understood that other data (e.g., positioning circuitry outputs)can be used to change the display of a three-dimensional model.

In addition to navigating a three-dimensional model, some electronicdevices can be used to generate three-dimensional models that can beviewed and navigated by other electronic devices. To do so, theelectronic device may first capture the real object or environment forwhich a model is desired. FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an electronicdevice moved around an object to generate information for athree-dimensional model in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. Real (i.e., not virtual) environment 1000 can include object1002 and electronic device 1004. To capture images of object 1002,electronic device 1004 can include camera or lens 1006 operative todetect light waves reflecting from object 1002. The electronic devicecan store the images recorded by lens 1006 as distinct images, or asvideo (e.g., defined by a sequence of video frames) In some embodiments,the electronic device can instead or in addition include additionalsensors operative to detect information related to object 1002, such asa radiation emitter and receiver (e.g., for detecting the curvature ordistance of different surfaces of the object from the electronicdevice), passive sensors (e.g., for detecting hotter or colder portionsof the object), or any other suitable sensor.

To collect sufficient data to generate a three-dimensional model a usermay record images of the object from different perspectives. Forexample, the user can enable lens 1006 (e.g., activate an appropriaterecording application) and move the electronic device, and thus lens1006, around object 1002 following an arbitrary or planned path. Forexample, the user can move electronic device 1004 along path 1010,starting at point 1011, and ending at tip 1012. As the user follows path1010, the electronic device can in addition rotate or twist the deviceto capture different angles of object 1002. It may not be sufficient forgenerating a three-dimensional model however, merely to capture imagesof an object from different perspectives. In addition to the images, themodel may require information defining the relative positioning of theimages to define a three-dimensional mapping on which the images can beplaced.

The electronic device can use any suitable approach to identifyingspatial information to associate with each image or with video frames ofa recorded video of the object. In some embodiments, the electronicdevice can define an initial position relative to the object from whicha user can then begin taking images. Alternatively, a user can providean indication of the position of the electronic device relative to theobject as recording begins (e.g., 3 feet from the device and 3 feet fromthe ground). As another alternative, the electronic device canautomatically determine, using appropriate sensors, its positionrelative to the object (e.g., using GPS, a sonar or radar type sensor,or a magnetometer). The information defining the initial position of thedevice can then be associated with the first image or video framecaptured by lens 1006. For example, the electronic device can define theposition information as metadata associated with the image files. Asanother example, the electronic device can generate a distinct filereferencing the captured images for the position information.

As the user moves the electronic device, the motion-sensing component(or other electronic device components) can provide an output describingthe motion. The output at particular moments in time can then beassociated with the particular images or video frames captured at thesame moment in time. The electronic device can associate the movementinformation from the motion sensor output with the captured images usingany suitable approach, including for example as a distinct filereferencing particular images or video frames, as metadata associatedwith the images or video frames, or as data embedded in the images orvideo frames. If a video is recorded, movement information may not beassociated with every video frame, but rather only with particular videoframes at established intervals. For example, if a video is stored as aseries of I, P and B-frames (e.g., using a video compression algorithm),movement information can be associated with only a subset of the I, Pand B-frames (e.g., movement information can be associated only withI-frames and not with P or B frames). As another example, if video isstored as a series of I, P, and B-slices, movement information can beassociated with only a subset of the I, P, and B-slices (e.g., only Iand B-slices). The movement information (e.g., a vector) can define themovement of the electronic device relative to the origin, relative tothe immediately prior position, relative to a prior position selected ata predetermined interval, or relative to any other discernable location.

Once the electronic device has captured a video or a series of images ofthe object, and has associated movement information with the images, theelectronic device can process the images and movement information togenerate a three-dimensional model of the object. For example, theelectronic device can process the motion information to convert thedescription of the device movement from a device-centric coordinatesystem to an environment-based coordinate system and generate athree-dimensional frame depicting the environment (and object) recordedby the lens. The electronic device can then associate the recordedimages with the frame to create a three-dimensional model having anenvironment-based coordinate system. In some embodiments, the electronicdevice can record an image of the same portion of the object fromdifferent angles, or at different times as the device moves along path1010. When processing the recorded data to form the three-dimensionalmodel, the electronic device can combine several images of a sameportion to provide a more detailed perspective of an object.Alternatively, the electronic device can combine several images taken inthe vicinity of a particular portion of the object (e.g., accounting forthe differences in perspective) to generate an image to associate withthe particular portion (e.g., if the particular portion was not directlyrecorded by the electronic device).

In some embodiments, the electronic device can combine severalrecordings of an environment to generate a more completethree-dimensional model. To combine the recordings properly, theelectronic device can determine the relationship between each of therecordings. For example, the electronic device can identify the initialstarting positions of each recording relative to the object and applyrecorded images to the model based on the overall in thethree-dimensional frames generated for each recording (e.g., whereprecise GPS positioning information and magnetometer orientationinformation is available). As another example, the electronic device canidentify images or video frames from each recording that capture thesame portion of the object, and map the images of each of the recordingson the three-dimensional model in a manner that reflects the overlap ofthe recordings. The electronic device can, in some embodiments, combineimages from each of the recordings to apply to portions of the model.

The processing power required to convert a recorded video tagged withmovement information to a three-dimensional model (e.g., to changecoordinate systems associated with images of the recording) can, in somecases, exceed the capabilities of the electronic device. For example, ifthe electronic device includes a hand-held portable electronic device,the device may not have sufficient processing abilities or power supplyto generate a model from the recorded information. The electronic devicecan then provide the recording to a host device having more substantialcapabilities for processing. In some embodiments, the host device canreceive recordings of an object or environment from several devices, andgenerate a three-dimensional model using information from each of theseveral recordings. The host device can then in turn provide thethree-dimensional model to the electronic device for navigation (e.g.,using deterministic movement).

Because the resulting three-dimensional models can be limited (e.g., notinclude images for every face of the model), the model can include arecommended path to follow for navigating the model. The path can beoverlaid on the model images (e.g., similar to the path of FIGS. 3A-3D),or provided as icons in a corner of the display (e.g., arrows indicatingavailable paths).

Any electronic device can be used to generate three-dimensional model ofany suitable environment, or in any suitable context. For example,recordings of a sporting event by several cameras can be combined togenerate three-dimensional models of plays that users can navigate(e.g., navigate around a batter hitting a ball in baseball, or around afootball play to see whether the ball carrier reached a particularmark). As another example, recordings could be used to generatethree-dimensional models of concerts or other public events. Theelectronic device could use any suitable recordings to generate themodel, including for example professional recordings created by contentproviders, recordings performed with portable devices (e.g., cellulartelephone recordings by fans), or any other recording. The electronicdevice could use time stamps, geotags, and content similarity to combinethe recordings in a model. As still another example, a user can record avideo of a house or building to show to friends (e.g., a new home) andprovide a three-dimensional model of the space for others to navigate inany desired manner (e.g., without being constrained by the order inwhich the recording was made). In addition, recordings andthree-dimensional models can be created in any other suitable context.

The following flow chart describes an illustrative process forgenerating a three-dimensional model using an electronic device. FIG. 11is a flow chart of an illustrative process for generating athree-dimensional model from a recording in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. Process 1100 can begin at step 1102. Atstep 1104, the electronic device can begin recording images. Forexample, a user of the electronic device can direct a lens to record anenvironment or object in the vicinity of the user. In some embodiments,the electronic device can determine its position relative to the objector environment to record before beginning to record. For example, theelectronic device can determine its absolute position and orientationusing positioning circuitry and a magnetometer. As another example, theelectronic device can determine its position relative to an object usingan appropriate sensor (e.g., an emitter and receiver providingpositioning information relative to an object, for example by measuringradio waves reflected from the object).

At step 1106, the electronic device can detect its motion. For example,a motion-sensing component of the electronic device (e.g. a gyroscope oran accelerometer) can provide an output reflecting the movement of thedevice. As another example, positioning circuitry of the electronicdevice can provide an output reflecting the change in position of thedevice. As still another example, a magnetometer or other componentproviding information regarding the orientation of the device canprovide an output. At step 1108, the electronic device can definemovement information based on the output of the electronic devicecomponents. For example, an electronic device processor can process thecomponent outputs to define one or more vectors indicating the movementof the device relative to an initial or previous position andorientation. At step 1110, the electronic device can associate themovement information generated at a particular time with a video frameor image recorded by the electronic device lens at the same time. Forexample, the electronic device can embed, within video frames, movementinformation associated with the particular video frames (e.g.,information based on the motion-sensing component output provided at thesame time that the video frame was recorded). As another example, themovement information can be stored in a separate or distinct location(e.g., as part of a header or footer in the video file, or as a separatefile) and linked or associated with specific video frames or images.

At step 1112, the electronic device can process the recorded images orvideo and the associated movement information to, at step 1114, generatea three-dimensional model of the recorded object or environment. Forexample, the electronic device can determine, from the initial positionand movement of the electronic device, a three-dimensionalrepresentation of the device positions onto which images recorded by thedevice can be applied (e.g., change the coordinate system associatedwith the recorded images). By then providing the representation toanother electronic device, the other electronic device can navigate therepresentation in any suitable manner, including for example by viewingimages in an order other than the order set by the recording. This canin turn allow true three-dimensional navigation of the recorded objector environment.

In some embodiments, a user can use deterministic movements and otherinputs as described above to navigate environments having severaldimensions other than three geometrical dimensions (e.g.,multidimensional environments). In particular, an electronic device cannavigate an environment having auditory, olfactory, tactile dimensions,or other types of dimensions. For example, as a user navigates within anenvironment, audio provided by an audio circuitry can change to reflectthe user's navigation (e.g., audio volume or pitch changes to reflectthe user's distance from an audio source, or the particular audioprovided can change based on the user's proximity to different audiosources). As another example, the electronic device can include acomponent operative to provide different smells (e.g., floral smells asthe user navigates towards flowers, and automobile smells as the usernavigates toward a car). As still another example, the electronic devicecan include a component for providing tactile feedback (e.g., avibrating element) Using the component, the electronic device canprovide tactile feedback when the user navigates to an appropriateportion of the environment (e.g., vibrate as the user reaches a boundaryof the environment, or change temperature when the user moves closer toa heat source in the environment). Other types of sensors can also beused to provide feedback in other dimensions of a multi-dimensionalenvironment.

The above described embodiments of the invention are presented forpurposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the presentinvention is limited only by the claims which follow.

1. (canceled)
 2. A non-transitory computer readable medium storingmachine instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause theprocessor to: obtain a three-dimensional model of an environment;receive a location within the three-dimensional model of theenvironment; determine a first orientation of an electronic deviceincluding the processor; cause a first virtual view of the locationwithin the three-dimensional model of the environment to be displayed,wherein the first virtual view corresponds to the first orientation ofthe electronic device; cause a first overlay over the first virtual viewof the three-dimensional model of the environment to be displayed,wherein the first overlay visually indicates potential travel paths fromthe location within the three-dimensional model of the environment; inresponse to determining a change in orientation of the electronic deviceor an updated location within the three-dimensional model of theenvironment, cause a second virtual view of the three-dimensional modelof the environment to be displayed; and cause a second overlay over thesecond virtual view of the three-dimensional model of the environment tobe displayed, wherein the second overlay visually indicates potentialtravel paths from the updated location within the three-dimensionalmodel of the environment.
 3. The non-transitory computer readable mediumof claim 2, wherein the first and second overlays further comprise areasoff the potential travel paths for which a three-dimensional model isavailable.
 4. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 2,wherein the first and second overlays comprise directional icons.
 5. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 4, wherein thedirectional icons are user-selectable to provide the updated locationwithin the three-dimensional model of the environment.
 6. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 5, wherein thedirectional icons are user-selectable to navigate from the first virtualview of the three-dimensional model of the environment to the secondvirtual view.
 7. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 2,wherein, when executed by the processor, the machine instructions causethe processor to determine the location and the updated location fromsignals from a global positioning system (GPS) receiver included withinthe electronic device.
 8. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 2, wherein, when executed by the processor, the machineinstructions cause the processor to determine the location and updatedlocation from user input.
 9. An electronic device, comprising: aprocessor; an orientation sensor; a display; and a memory, coupled tothe processor, on which is stored instructions that when executed causethe processor to: obtain a three-dimensional model of an environment;receive a location within the three-dimensional model of theenvironment; determine a first orientation of the electronic device froma signal from the orientation sensor; cause a first virtual view of thelocation within the three-dimensional model of the environment to bedisplayed on the display, wherein the first virtual view corresponds tothe first orientation of the electronic device; cause a first overlayover the first virtual view of the three-dimensional model of theenvironment to be displayed on the display, wherein the first overlayvisually indicates potential travel paths from the location within thethree-dimensional model of the environment; in response to determining achange in orientation of the electronic device based on the signal fromthe orientation sensor or receipt of an updated location within thethree-dimensional model of the environment, cause a second virtual viewof the three-dimensional model of the environment to be displayed on thedisplay; and cause a second overlay over the second virtual view of thethree-dimensional model of the environment to be displayed on thedisplay, wherein the second overlay visually indicates potential travelpaths from the updated location within the three-dimensional model ofthe environment.
 10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the firstand second overlays further comprise areas off the potential travelpaths for which a three-dimensional model is available
 11. Theelectronic device of claim 9, wherein the first and second overlayscomprise directional icons.
 12. The electronic device of claim 9,wherein the display comprises a touch sensitive display and thedirectional icons are user-selectable via the touch sensitive display toprovide the updated location within the three-dimensional model of theenvironment.
 13. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the displaycomprises a touch sensitive display and the directional icons areuser-selectable via the touch sensitive display to navigate from thefirst virtual view of the three-dimensional model of the environment tothe second virtual view.
 14. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein,when executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor todetermine the location and the updated location from signals from aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver included within the electronicdevice.
 15. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein, when executed bythe processor, the instructions cause the processor to determine thelocation and updated location from user input.
 16. An electronic device,comprising: a processor; an orientation sensor; a display; and a memory,coupled to the processor, on which is stored instructions that whenexecuted cause the processor to: receive a location within a model;determine a first orientation of the electronic device; generate a firstimage of the model, wherein the first image corresponds to the firstorientation of the electronic device and comprises a first overlayindicating potential travel paths; render the first image of the modelon the display; in response to determining a change in orientation ofthe electronic device or an updated location within the model, generatea second image of the model, wherein the second image corresponds to thechanged orientation of the electronic device or the updated locationwithin the model and comprises a second overlay indicating potentialtravel paths; and render the second image of the model on the display.17. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the first and secondoverlays comprise directional icons.
 18. The electronic device of claim16, wherein the display comprises a touch sensitive display and thedirectional icons are user-selectable via the touch sensitive display toprovide the updated location within the model.
 19. The electronic deviceof claim 16, wherein the display comprises a touch sensitive display andthe directional icons are user-selectable via the touch sensitivedisplay to navigate from the first image of the model to the secondimage.
 20. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein, when executed bythe processor, the instructions cause the processor to determine thelocation and the updated location from signals from a global positioningsystem (GPS) receiver included within the electronic device.
 21. Theelectronic device of claim 16, wherein, when executed by the processor,the instructions cause the processor to determine the location andupdated location from user input.